What the Check Engine Light Could Mean

Every person who owns a car and saw the check engine light come on has groaned with the pain expecting an expensive repair bill. It can be unnerving when this light comes on, but there is no need to panic. In the certain times of the year, the severe weather that some areas experience can make being stranded very dangerous, especially for children. You should have some basic knowledge of the true purpose of this light and the possible meanings of its illumination so you can alert your mechanic.  

The Light, The Light!

The check engine light is an important part of the onboard diagnostics system in your car. Newer model cars are built with computers that monitor and control many facets of your car, such as the fuel ratio, performance of your engine, and the speed of the engine. It also monitors ignition timing and the automatic transmission if your car is equipped with one. Each problem that can occur has its own series of codes that are in the computer. When a problem occurs, the check engine light will light up and the computer generates a code that corresponds with the problem. Your mechanic can connect your car to their computer and read the code message so they can determine the issue. The light will illuminate for things as minor as a loose gas cap, worn out spark plugs and spark plug wires, malfunctioning oxygen sensor, to something more serious such as a blown gasket head. 

The Light is On, So What to Do?

If the check engine light comes on, you need pay attention to the behavior of the light because it does not always mean that you have a serious problem. When the light comes on, check to see if the light is blinking or remaining steady. A steady illumination could mean that you have a loose or missing gas cap, which you can easily replace or tighten back up. If this is the case, just tighten the cap until you hear an audible click. If it is missing, you will be able to find one at your local auto parts store. Keep your gas cap tightly closed because the vapors from the gas can escape. A blinking light could mean that you have a serious problem and you should take care of it immediately. This is when you should take it to a mechanic right away. If you are driving and you notice the light is blinking, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and shut off your engine. 

General Car Maintenance Can Be a Preventative Measure

You should make sure that you keep your car maintained and perform a safety inspection on a regular basis. This is your best defense to keep from seeing this light. Maintenance can alert you to problems that could be forming and you can have them corrected before they turn into a major problem. The mechanic can help you devise a maintenance schedule that is recommended by the car manufacturer. Whether you have an Asian car model, a European car model, or a domestic car model, you can be sure that you will be safe and secure on the roads and you will not have to worry about the dreaded check engine light. 

How Winter Affects Steering and Suspension Systems

Your car’s steering and suspension systems are very vulnerable during the winter. Winter can be difficult on a car with the freezing temperatures, sharp winds, snow, and ice that can make for treacherous driving conditions. However, if you have a regular winter vehicle safety inspection in addition to your general car maintenance, you can minimize your chances of service failure. When you take your car in for your inspection, you should make sure that the mechanic includes your suspension system with the service. If it does not, you can request it to be added. The steering and suspension systems play a vital part in how your car will perform on the road and it can affect the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road.

The Winter Ravages on Your Systems

In winter, your car is constantly exposed to moisture, potholes, and road salt. The suspension system, since it is underneath the car, is particularly vulnerable to the hazards of winter driving and the elements. Water is often introduced into the system when the car is sitting in high water curbside or while trying to traverse flooded areas. This system needs adequate lubrication to keep debris and road salt out and to replenish the grease that has washed away. Another way that winter affects steering and suspension is with damage caused by potholes. Potholes occur from the water eroding the soil underneath the pavement as it freezes, thaws, and re-freezes to produce cracks. If you strike a pothole at a high rate of speed, the system receives a violent pulse. Over time, repeated violent pulses begin to weaken the structure of the struts and springs and adversely affect your control of the car. The ride becomes rough, you will feel every bump in the road, and you will not be able to control the car and be at risk for an accident.

Why is the Steering and Suspension Systems Important?

The purpose of the suspension system is to provide protection from the jolts and jostles of the road and the steering helps you control the car. The shock absorbers and springs absorb the bumps and imperfections of the road and provide a comfortable ride. There are several types of suspension systems, but they all provide the same service. It also provides stability for the steering, which makes it easier to handle the car in a safe manner. In other words, the steering is used to guide the car, and the suspension system makes it easier to guide the car. 

What Else is there to Know?

You can avoid many problems with your steering and suspension by having it inspected when you have your winter safety inspection done. Your owner’s manual should have information regarding a schedule for inspections for these systems and you can consult with your mechanic to devise a plan to keep your car in good condition in the winter. You can also request to have the systems inspected during your general car maintenance appointments. This way, your mechanic can keep a close eye on your car and can alert you to any problems that may be presenting themselves. This will keep small problems now from becoming large, more expensive problems later.